The Hometown Holler

In this live season finale, Daniel and Quinn call in a special guest to answer the question everyone's asking: what the %&!$ happened?

The Hometown Holler podcast returns in early 2025! In the meantime, stay up to date by following us on social media @thehometownholler. Believe in our mission? Become a Friend of the Holler today by joining our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thehometownholler. As a Patreon supporter, you help us build a better North Carolina, one conversation at a time.

In the penultimate episode of the season, Daniel and Quinn recap the highs and lows of the election season and consider what’s next for North Carolina. They also break down what North Carolina voters can expect as the results roll in on election night.

Join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thehometownholler. As a Patreon supporter, you help us build a better North Carolina, one conversation at a time.

Connect with the Holler on social media @thehometownholler or by visiting our website www.thehometownholler.com

We had an interview scheduled with Michele Morrow, GOP nominee for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. She bailed at the last minute. We did the interview anyway.

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Connect with the Holler on social media @thehometownholler or by visiting our website www.thehometownholler.com

Mo Green's Vision for North Carolina's Education System

This week, the Holler hangs out with Mo Green, candidate for North Carolina's state superintendent of public instruction! Our next state superintendent will oversee a school system serving nearly 1.5 million students and a budget in the tens of billions. For these reasons alone, it's one of the most important races on our ballot this year. A former superintendent of Guilford County Schools and NC public school parent, Mo shares his journey from local leadership to statewide advocacy and his vision for fostering both academic success and character development in our public school classrooms. We also get a fun glimpse into Mo's personal side, learning about his favorite road trip jams and how he snacks when those campaign trail munchies hit.

Learn more about Mo at https://www.mogreenfornc.com/

Want bonus episodes and Holler swag? Become a Friend of the Holler at www.patreon.com/thehometownholler. As a Patreon supporter, you help us build a better North Carolina, one conversation at a time.

Connect with the Holler on social media @thehometownholler or by visiting our website www.thehometownholler.com.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:28 Casual Conversation and Bee Sting Story

03:03 Introducing Mo Green

04:18 Mo Green's Background and Vision

10:21 Challenges in Public Education

13:56 Contrasting Visions for Public Education

23:48 Addressing Concerns and Building Trust

26:52 Funding Challenges and Advocacy

32:51 Role and Structure of the State Board of Education

38:27 Balancing Job Preparation and Character Development

43:26 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

Quamekia "Que" Shavers knows the key to boosting voter turnout: food, fun, and fellowship. It also doesn't hurt to have badass cups (listen and you'll see what we mean). As the founder of The Pink Vote, Que focuses on increasing engagement among Black and Brown voters. She joins the Holler to share her political wisdom, emphasizing the importance of building trust within communities and outlining the innovative tactics employed by The Pink Vote. Que offers strategies for making politics relatable and highlights the critical impact of local elections. Listeners will gain insights into personalized voter registration methods, the significance of ongoing community engagement, and the challenges posed by voter ID laws, all contributing to a deeper understanding of grassroots activism and community-led initiatives that strengthen democratic participation. And did we mention she has badass cups? Connect with Que on Instagram @thepinkvotews

Want bonus episodes and Holler swag? Become a Friend of the Holler at ⁠www.patreon.com/thehometownholler⁠. As a Patreon supporter, you help us build a better North Carolina, one conversation at a time.

Connect with the Holler on social media ⁠@thehometownholler⁠ or by visiting our website ⁠www.thehometownholler.com⁠

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Pumpkin Spice and Holiday Season Debate

01:27 Introducing Today's Inspiring Guest: Quamekia Shavers

02:34 Que's Political Journey and Achievements

05:51 The Birth and Mission of The Pink Vote

12:16 Engaging the Community: Strategies and Success Stories

22:09 Event Strategy and Success Indicators

23:04 Voter Registration at Social Events

23:37 Challenges and Success in Voter Registration

25:19 Impact of Voter ID Laws

27:46 Engaging Communities of Color

29:21 Building Trust in Communities

36:34 Creative Approaches to Voter Registration

42:19 Final Thoughts

Quinn and Daniel sit down with Senator Rachel Hunt, the Democratic candidate for North Carolina Lieutenant Governor. Senator Hunt shares her insights on what it takes to run a statewide campaign, diving into the challenges, strategies, and personal motivations behind her bid for one of the state's top executive offices. The conversation highlights the essential role of the Lieutenant Governor, breaking down the responsibilities and influence the office holds in shaping North Carolina's future. Senator Hunt also discusses what the North Carolina government is doing, and can do, for Western North Carolina following the devastating hurricane that impacted WNC. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on leadership, resilience, and the path ahead for North Carolina. Connect with Senator Hunt at https://www.rachelhunt.com/ and on social media @huntfornc

Want bonus episodes and Holler swag? Become a Friend of the Holler at www.patreon.com/thehometownholler. As a Patreon supporter, you help us build a better North Carolina, one conversation at a time.

Connect with the Holler on social media @thehometownholler or by visiting our website www.thehometownholler.com

Anderson Clayton made headlines in 2023 by becoming the youngest state party chair in the nation, taking the helm of the North Carolina Democratic Party just after her 25th birthday. In this special episode of the Hometown Holler, she joins Quinn and Daniel before a live audience to share her remarkable political journey. Anderson discusses the unique challenges and advantages of being the youngest person in the room and outlines her mission to empower young people and rural voters within North Carolina's largest political party. After listening, be sure to connect with Anderson on social media @andibreeze!

Want bonus episodes and Holler swag? Become a Friend of the Holler at ⁠www.patreon.com/thehometownholler⁠. As a Patreon supporter, you help us build a better North Carolina, one conversation at a time.

Connect with the Holler on social media ⁠@thehometownholler⁠ or by visiting our website ⁠www.thehometownholler.com⁠

Originally recorded as subscriber-only content, this special episode serves up a slice of the Hometown Holler back porch as we chat with Lily Oatis, host of Not Just Headlines. Join us as we explore our podcasting journeys, reflecting on the inspirations and pivotal moments that shaped our shows. Lily discusses the mission of Not Just Headlines, emphasizing her commitment to looking beyond major news stories and amplifying voices often overlooked by mainstream media. Together, we dive into our shared passion for politics and the drive to foster meaningful conversations that empower our communities. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the transformative power of podcasting and its role in shaping public discourse!

Connect with Lily on social media @notjustheadlinespod

Join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thehometownholler. As a Patreon supporter, you help us build a better North Carolina, one conversation at a time.

Connect with the Holler on social media @thehometownholler or by visiting our website www.thehometownholler.com

Quinn and Daniel hang out with Billy Ball, Senior Editor at Cardinal & Pine, for an engaging discussion at the crossroads of media and politics. They dive into journalism's role in the political arena, tackle the complexities of covering state and local issues, and highlight the crucial role of independent media in today’s landscape. They also take a moment to discuss their favorite video games. Tune in and learn why journalism is our nation's fourth branch of government!

This week the Holler hangs out with Beth Helfrich, candidate for NC House District 98! From her roots as a third-generation Davidson resident to her impactful work as a former teacher, school leader, and community advocate, Beth is ready to bring her passion and experience to the North Carolina House. Beth shares her journey from the classroom to local leadership, her commitment to public education, and her vision for a more prosperous and community-oriented North Carolina. Discover how she balances family life with her role as former PTO President and working mom of five while championing the values of community and connectedness on the campaign trail.

Learn more about Beth at https://www.bethhelfrichnc.com/

Connect with Beth on social media @bethhelfrichnc

Want bonus episodes and Holler swag? Become a Friend of the Holler at www.patreon.com/thehometownholler. As a Patreon supporter, you help us build a better North Carolina, one conversation at a time.

Connect with the Holler on social media @thehometownholler or by visiting our website www.thehometownholler.com